Sadness as town centre licensee calls it a day
REGULARS at Document House have bid farewell to licensee Lee Kelly as Document House in Newbury town centre temporarily closes.
Mr Kelly said the Wharf Street pub, a popular late-night venue with live music at weekends, had struggled to regain equilibrium following the coronavirus lockdowns.
However, the Newbury Weekly News understands that new management will take over at the weekend.
In a social media statement Mr Kelly said: “Whilst Covid has been a huge factor, people’s attitudes are changing towards pubs.
“During the week it’s just so quiet and, other factors included, it made for the perfect storm to finish us off.
“West Berkshire Council were unwilling to work with us on our outstanding rates – they would not accept our offer to settle what we owe over December.”
Mr Kelly said he plans to take a few weeks to consider the future, but will probably not take on another pub.
Ironically, Document House recently underwent a major refurbishment and Mr Kelly added in his statement: “Of course, we see huge investment in pubs in the town, but this is primarily big pub companies with hundreds and thousands of sites.
“We have failed, but not from the want of trying to succeed and commitment.
“We have plenty of positives to take and we walk away proud of what we did achieve with our heads held high.”
A spokesman for West Berk
shire Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Paul Worsley, said: “I’m very sad to see the closure of Document House.
“Lee has always run a very safe late night venue for adults, just as he did at The Canal Bar.”
Mr Kelly said: “We’d just like to thank everyone who came through our doors over the years.
“We’ve got some very happy memories to take with us.
“And I’d like to thank all the staff who worked hard here who helped us to deliver and maintain high standards.”